We are hiring!

We're looking for an enthusiastic, smiling people-person to work in the shop 2-3 days a week.

Responsibilities include:

• Helping customers find the perfect handmade gift in-store
• Metalsmithing -- we'll train you
• Inventory input and management
• Shipping online orders
• Communicating with customers, artists, and vendors via email and phone
• Light cleaning

Ideal candidates can work autonomously while part of a team, solve problems, and juggle multiple responsibilities.  Computer competency is required and we will train the right candidate in our softwares.  

Experience in retail is preferred. 

Experience in marketing, ecommerce, and metalsmithing is a plus.  

Applicants must be available 2-3 days a week including some weekends and evenings.

To apply, send your resume to info@hattierex.com. Use "Retail Sales Position" as the email subject, and within the email, please tell us why you're a great fit for the job.  

You know the ones.  The stories that include phrases like, 

“When covid hit...” 

or

“And then the world ended, so...”

and at Hattie Rex, we are no exception.

Here’s our story.

Hattie Rex has always been more than a dog tag shop.  We’re more than a gift shop, too.

We are the collective offering of artistic and creative individuals, handing off tiny pieces of handmade love to be gifted by people who appreciate what we do.

And then covid hit.

A year ago we closed our doors.  It felt like a really long snow day, except with much more anxiety.  And then the reality started to set in.  This is life now.

I was haunted by thoughts of “closing forever.” And for a while, I began to accept the reality of it.

But I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen to the rest of Hattie Rex.

I knew I’d continue to sell dog tags and jewelry online if I closed the store.

But what about the other artists?  Where would they sell?

And what about our customers?  Where would they grab all their handmade gifts?

Farmer’s markets, festivals, and fairs were all on the chopping block too.

I knew I had to do something.  

I had to figure out a way to get our artists’ work into the hands of our customers, without the physical middleman of a (potentially doomed) physical location.

And I’m happy to report that it took us a year, but we did it.

Now, you can shop the work of even more artists on HattieRex.com.

We’re still here in downtown Bozeman, open 7 days a week, but online you can find even more than what we have in stock in the store.

Once you find the perfect gift on HattieRex.com, the artist will ship it to you directly, if it’s not something we carry in the store.

This gives you even more options to find something special, and we’re adding new artists each and every week.

We want to save you the time of wading through the internet, trying to find something perfect.

Our mission is to compile the best handmade products into one place, so you always have a go-to spot when you need a special gift.  

Take a peek and let me know what you think.

Thank you for your continued support of not only this (growing) small business, but the dozens of independent makers (and growing) who trust us with their art.  

To brighter futures,

Tessa

PS: Like what you see?  Be sure to follow us on Instagram for a giveaway to celebrate the news!  Mark your calendars for Friday!

Meet our new vendor: Beadiful! 

Maggie's minimal handmade jewelry is one of a kind. We had a chance to meet with Maggie in her home where she showed us her process and shared the story behind her brand. 

HR: So tell us about your products - what do you make? 

M: I make up-cycled vintage jewelry like gemstone wire hoop earrings and leather necklaces.

HR: If you had to describe who your jewelry is for, what would you say? 

M: My products are for women who like simple, dressy days and nights.

HR: Where do you create your products? 

M: I make my jewelry right here, in my home in Bozeman, Montana. 

HR: What's the story behind Beadiful, your business name and how did you get started?

M: Using beads and making pretty designs! I grew up in my father's jewelry store in Whitefish, Montana. Watching him work and create inspired me to see if I too have the gift.

HR: What's the best compliment you've received about your jewelry? 

M: People say they wear their pieces everyday! 

>>Shop Maggie’s brand, Beadiful here.<<

It's not too late to give the gift of Hattie Rex! 

We're all too familiar with that dreaded feeling when you realize... someone's not getting a gift this year.  After a year like this one, it would make sense that this would happen. 

For a limited time before the holiday, we're offering $5 off gift cards from December 19th-25th. 

So, even if you may have (almost) forgotten a gift, you're saving a few bucks too! That makes you a winner in our book. 

Gift cards can be purchased in store or online and can be delivered by email to the recipient. 

If you still want to have something on hand for Christmas Day, we'll be open on December 23rd and 24th too so come in and see us! 

Happy holidays! 

But there’s one more day to add to your list if it’s not on your radar already and that’s Small Business Saturday. 

On November 28th, you’ll get an extra chance to take advantage of some very special promotions at Hattie Rex. 

This year’s promotion is exclusively available online. When you shop on Small Business Saturday this year, you’ll get an extra discount that isn’t available in-store. 

If you decide to visit us in store on Saturday, you’ll get $5 off your purchase when you sign up for our new Rewards Program. It’s a win-win! 

Can’t wait to see you there (virtually) or in store on Saturday, November 28th! 

Meet our new vendor: Six Finger Studios! Nick Mask’s beautiful wood pieces, children’s books and toys are delightfully unique. We had a chance to meet with Nick in his studio where he showed us his process and shared the story behind his brand. 

HR: First and foremost, tell us about your products- what do you make?

NM: Handmade wooden coat racks and key racks; and children’s books and toys too! 

HR: Your mountain wood shelves are so cute and functional! What can you say about your work space? 

NM: My studio is next to my house in a two bay garage with a wood stove and lots of sawdust.

HR: What’s the story behind your business name? 

NM: Six finger studios came from a spot of paint on my studio floor that looked like a six fingered hand.  I also had a cat with six toes on his front two feet.

HR: And how did you get started making wooden organizers? 

NM: I used to work for a small furniture company that made custom furniture.  After hours I would use the tools in the shop to experiment with my own designs out of the shipping pallets in the alley.

HR: Since then, you started making children’s books and toys too - what’s the best feedback you ever received about them? 

NM: A customer with two boys once said that they “...have loved reading this story over and over! This is the 2nd Waffles book we have purchased and love them both! We are excited to read more from Nick Mask in the future!” 

Shop Nick Mask’s brand, Six Finger Studios here. 

HR: Tell us about your business name, Speckled Designs.  What's it about?

SD: I love anything with speckles!

HR: We do too! And how did you get started making clay jewelry? 

SD: It all started when I wanted to make some clay earrings for myself. I ended up making more than is acceptable to keep so I started giving them away to family members and friends.  They all told me I should start selling so I did!

HR: It's wonderful to have that kind of encouragement from family and friends. So what were you doing before you started? 

SD: I’ve been a stay at home mom for 5 years. I’m still a stay at home mom and work in my spare time. 

HR: You're a busy woman! Do you have an at home studio? Tell us where the magic happens!

SD: I create right at my kitchen table! 

HR: I love that it's a skill you can do from almost anywhere. Here at Hattie Rex we love your clay earrings and have wondered - what's the most common question you're asked about your products? 

SD: A lot of other clay makers ask about how I get the clay smooth. Also how I come up with new ideas. 

One of my customers commented once: Your craftsmanship and quality of clay is far superior than ones I already own. It’s hard to even think of them as clay! I don’t know how you get them so smooth and perfect with no air bubble or imperfections. I’ll be a repeat customer for sure! 

Shop Mandy Thronson's brand, Speckled Designs, here. 

I'm the founder, owner, and artist at Hattie Rex.

We have many artists at Hattie Rex, but I'm the one who designs and creates the in-house brand of personalized metal accessories for people and pets.

You may wonder why my name isn't Hattie, but that would be a question for my parents.

Who is Hattie Rex, then?

The truth is, it's a made up name.

See, I started this business in 2007 when I was a new mom to the cutest little yellow lab puppy named Pablo. 

I was so enamored with him, as new moms tend to be, and I wanted him to have the best of everything.  Including his tag.

But all of the dog tags on the market were terrible.  Machine-engraved, blue fire hydrants made of aluminum?  No thanks.  My dog wasn't going to wear the canine equivalent of a toilet and put my number on it.

So, I set out to make my own tag.  And I did.

 A few years later, I started getting requests for my dog tags as "human jewelry."  "Instead of a dog's name and number", they asked, "could you put my daughter's name and birthday on it, and I'll put it on a chain to wear as a necklace?"

I thought these requests were crazy, but I was a public school teacher (read:  underpaid) and had no business turning down business.

That's when I changed my business name from Good Dog to Hattie Rex.

Why Hattie Rex?

Because it's human and canine. It's masculine and feminine.  It's old fashioned.

And because I was perplexed that I was now a maker of human jewelry and knew that there would be other curveballs in this business.  And if a business name means nothing, you don't have to change it when your business evolves.

 Hattie Rex.

 If I had known then how much I'd be called "Hattie" over the years, I might have given it more thought.

But, I've certainly been called worse.

And, Hattie has taken on a life of her own over her 13 year lifespan.  From personalized accessories to people and pets to unique gifts from independent makers, it's a good thing I didn't box her in.

Dog tags are still my favorite products to create.  It's a meditative process for me, of sorts.  Having the same hammer in your hand for 13 years gets you into a groove and a flow that clears your head and offers an escape from the realities of the world.

In fact, that creative headspace is the reason I created the new Hattie Rex.

When our store was shut down due to covid, sitting at that bench, hammering out dog tags was the best mental health self care I could have imagined. I wanted to amplify it, and share it, and create a community of makers who, together, could create more impact than one person can make alone.

 I know I love making handmade things as much as I love buying, using, and gifting handmade things.  And it's these items that help us feel connected even when we are apart.  

And as such, the new Hattie is one big lovefest.  We are artists and makers on an independent path, united with a common goal:  To help you find the perfect gift.

And yes, to us, the perfect gift is not a new Tesla or a name-brand handbag.  It's a product that brings sheer delight to everyone involved. 

From the person who created it, to the person who bought it, to the person who receives it and will treasure it forever:  Love is at the heart of who we are and what we do here at Hattie Rex. 

We're looking for an enthusiastic, smiling people-person to work in the shop 2-3 days a week.

Responsibilities include:

• Helping customers find the perfect handmade gift in-store
• Inventory input and management
• Shipping online orders
• Communicating with customers, artists, and vendors via email and phone
• Light cleaning

Ideal candidates can work autonomously while part of a team, solve problems, and juggle multiple responsibilities.  Computer competency is required and we will train the right candidate in our softwares.  

Experience in retail is preferred. 

Experience in marketing, ecommerce, and metalsmithing is a plus.  

Applicants must be available 2-3 days a week including some weekends, through the holidays.

To apply, send your resume to info@hattierex.com. Use "Retail Sales Position" as the email subject, and within the email, please tell us why you're a great fit for the job.  

Ashlyn Fedell is the creative powerhouse behind Traversing Girl Jewelry.  While she has an at-home studio in Bozeman, she's been coming in to Hattie Rex to make magic there, too.  We sat down with Ashlyn in the shop to get a sneak peak at her process creating her beautiful, one of a kind, natural stone jewelry.  

HR:  Tell us about your business name, Traversing Girl Jewelry.  What's it about?

TGJ:  Traversing Girl Jewelry's name is inspired by the forward movement of day to day life. Jewelry should be a representation of your personal journey and how it's come to shape you. Whether that be a place or experience - each piece has a story to tell. Each piece is uniquely designed to connect your personal journey with my own and I think thats truly beautiful.

HR:  Speaking of your personal journey, what did you do before you became a silversmith?

TGJ:  I have been in the service industry for over 15 years! Wow! Working various serving and bartending gigs over the years have grown my love for people, stories, and self expression, which is a huge inspiration for my product.

HR:  Jewelry is a leap from the service industry!  How did you get started making jewelry?

TGJ:  Honestly, It was a selfish hobby at first. Being in the service industry for so long, jewelry was my only way of reflecting my personality to my customers through the various types of uniforms. You start to feel sheepish - so rockin' a fat chunk of turquoise on your finger or some funky earrings was the only way to be.

But after I had purchased countless pieces of poorly made jewelry I finally decided that I was going to become the maker. I started researching what tools I would need and watching countless YouTube tutorials... voilá! My first (very sad looking) ring was made.

My biggest vision with all of this was to make pieces that are durable, something that will last many generations. My friends and family were in awe over what I was creating. I started doing some commission pieces for those close to me, then a few months later Traversing Girl Jewelry was born.

HR:  You've come a long way!  What advice has helped you get to where you are today?

TGJ:  The best advice I ever received would be to know your worth as an artist - better yet, as a person.

Everyone goes through imposter syndrome and it actually took me years to push through that and identify with my brand. But always always always know the value of the product you are making.

If you are making solid quality art - your clientele will find you and will spend their hard earned dollars on you and support what you are doing. Also, understanding that your product isn't for everyone and that's OK.

HR:  Your business logo features an alien among wildflowers.  Tell us about that.  

TGJ:  Haha.  I wanted something different.  Something weird, but beautiful.  The alien and the wildflowers represent how beautifully strange your traverses through life can be, which tied right into what I wanted my brand to look like. 

Shop Ashlyn's brand, Traversing Girl Jewelry, here.

photos by Mikaela DiBerardinis Photography

Almost three years ago, after a decade of running and growing Hattie Rex, I stepped away to start a consulting business designed to help artists make a living and get their best work into the world.  This endeavor eventually morphed into an e-commerce setup business helping artists, retail stores, and other businesses get set up on Shopify.

Now, in the time of the coronavirus, things are coming full circle.  Our shop is closed temporarily and we are once again online only.

Cassandra moved away -- a planned move to be closer to her family -- and so the team is down to just me, kept company by Sofia the shop dog.  

Being a one-woman team has brought me back to creating dog tags again.  It's been a long time since I've held that hammer in my hand for hours at a time, creating dog tags at the bench while bad reality tv plays in the background.  

And while this certainly isn't what I wanted, it's exactly what I needed.  I feel more like myself while making dog tags than I have in years.  It's meditative for me and feels incredibly nurturing and fulfilling.  

Multi-Vendor Marketplace

Like many people during this time, I've found myself asking, "How can I serve?" And I've found that what I want to share with the world right now is that feeling of satisfaction that I get from creating a product with my hands, sharing it with another person, and having that transaction help sustain me in more ways than one.  

Hattie Rex will soon become a multi-vendor marketplace.  While we've sold other artists' work on our website and in our retail store for years, this iteration will remove the limit on the number of artists and products that we can offer.

Similar to the Etsy that Hattie grew up on, approved artists and makers will be able to list their own products from the comfort and safety of their own homes and ship the products directly to the customers when they make a sale.  

This way, artists keep a greater percentage of the sales price.

The marketplace will be cooperative in that a percentage of the commission paid to Hattie goes into marketing, creating a larger advertising budget and larger reach than any one artist could accomplish on their own.

It will also be cooperative in other marketing areas as well, such as blogging and social media content, email marketing, publicity, and virtual events.

 The marketplace will be similar in structure to Etsy, but very curated so our customers are only shopping the highest quality handmade goods from local and regional artists.  My hope is that this marketplace can help both artists and customers experience a virtual farmers market or an art fair because both sides will be missing those this summer.

There are many things in the works in regard to this marketplace, including a resource guide to help artists photograph their products, write descriptions, price for profit, and package and ship products.  The commission structure hasn't yet been finalized, but we will send out information to interested parties when this is ready.

So, if you or someone you know is an artist or maker with a product to sell, either for the first time or just wanting to add a new sales channel to your existing ones, please sign up on the form below to be notified when the marketplace is live.

Thank you for being a part of the Hattie Rex community.  It's such an honor to get to do this for a living and my goal now, like it was in 2017, is to help other artists and makers get to experience that same privilege.  

Order personalized items with First Class Mail by Wednesday, December 18.

Order ready-to-ship items with First Class Mail by Thursday, December 19.

Order personalized AND ready-to-ship items with Priority Mail by Friday, December 20.

Order personalized items with Express Mail by Saturday, December 21.

Order ready-to-ship items with Express Mail by Sunday, December 22.

Order personalized items with in-store pickup by Monday, December 23.

Order ready-to-ship items with in-store pickup by Tuesday, December 24.

We're open until 6 pm on Christmas Eve.

We'll be closed on December 25 and 26.

When I was a kid, we had an artificial tree ("the good kind", my mom would say,​​​​ with sturdy, individual metal branches that could bend and fluff).  Beneath our angel topper were blinking, multi-colored lights and a hodgepodge of ornaments.  

I loved the day we put up the tree.  I loved the John Denver Christmas album that we'd play and I loved putting up the ornaments.  Each one held a memory.  There was the photo-ornament that my sister made in second grade when she was sans front teeth.  The intricate wooden rocking horse ornament that was gifted to my brother.  And my first Christmas ornament, dated three days before I was actually born. 

While I loved that tree and the month it was up, I wished as a child that it was a little more chic. 

My best friend at the time had a "designer" tree, with white twinkling lights, red and crimson orbs and boughs of holly.  A giant red ribbon topped the tree and its tails cascaded down the branches.  It was beautiful.  

Also on my list of childhood Christmas tree envy were the multiple trees at my aunt's house:  one in every room and each with a different theme.  A firefighter tree, a Disney tree, a tree decorated with Happy Meal toys.  Meanwhile, at my house, we only had one tree.  And it was always the same.

When I grew up enough to have my own house, I aimed for a "designer" tree.  I carefully color-coordinated the ornaments, the garland, the tree skirt, and the star topper.  It was curated as much as my budget would allow.  And it wasn't a fake tree, either.  It was harvested from the parking lot of the hardware store.

I don't remember a particular day when my tree desires shifted.  I still love a beautiful and intentionally-decorated tree.  But slowly I accumulated some sentimental ornaments. 

There's the yellow lab ornament for Pablo and the black lab ornament for Hollie.  There's the Westie ornament for Sofia from Folk Dog Art and the pallet ornament from Six Finger Studios.  There are Garth's first Christmas ornament and the ornaments my nieces made for us a few years back. We have memorial ornaments for Sten's grandparents.  And last year, my mother-in-law gave us an ornament to commemorate our first married Christmas.  And since we were expecting, we made an ornament out of our ultrasound image.

This year, unboxing these ornaments to put on the tree, it feels much more sentimental than ever before.  Adding Willa's first Christmas ornament to the tree, after having made hundreds of these ornaments for friends and family and customers over the last ten years, I feel so honored to have helped people have a keepsake for these special times.

And now that I have a child of my own, I look back on my childhood Christmas tree and realize that the mix-matched ornaments that left me wanting were, in retrospect, relics.

The tree I want now -- the tree of Willa's childhood -- is exactly the one that I have.  The one we found while cross-country skiing in Hyalite, baby in tow.  The one that holds our baby's first Christmas ornament and an ice cream cone souvenir from her first trip to Ben and Jerry's this summer.  And the one that will hold memories from all of the years to come.  

Don't let cold weather stop you from enjoying a fun night Downtown! Warm up with a cocktail and finish your Christmas shopping all in one night! Join us and other awesome downtown businesses for December's Artwalk! 

Here are all the details you need to know:

Date + Time
Friday, December 13th 
5pm-8pm

Location
Hattie Rex and other Downtown businesses

Specials
Spend $100+ and receive a FREE Christmas ornament!
PLUS grab a delicious cocktail and snacks on the house!

Shop unique, handmade, and handpicked gifts for everyone on your list--and get it all gift wrapped, too!

Can't make it to Art Walk but still want to order an awesome gift? Check out some of our favorites!
Gifts Under $10
Gifts Under $25
Gifts Under $50
Gifts Under $100

From 4:30 to 7:30 on Saturday, December 7th, Downtown Bozeman will feature activities, food, and fun, including horse-drawn wagons, pictures with Santa, a lighting ceremony of the downtown decorations, and a gingerbread house display!

At Hattie Rex, we'll be serving complimentary snacks, beverages, and gift wrapping  We'll be giving away free ornaments with every $100+ purchase.  Plus, you can enter to win a $100 gift card to Hattie Rex!  Visit us for other discounts and stocking stuffer sales.

During the day, we'll have a complimentary photo booth by Mikaela DiBerardinis photo.  Have your photo taken at no charge, with the option to purchase downloads or even take your Christmas cards off your to-do list.

Once the lights outside are on, sign up for a deeply-discounted mini session to have your family photos taken under the decorations outside!  Sessions are $50 and include one digital download and a $20 credit to use in the shop that night.  Reserve your time here.  

Don't miss this beloved holiday tradition in Bozeman.  We'll see you at the Stroll!

So when the one day a year that celebrates small business rolls around, it makes me pause.  Small business is so much of who I am, of what my life is, that I don't often think about it from an outsider's point of view.  

In fact, here in Bozeman, there are so many small businesses that we forget that the rest of the country doesn't share this demographic.  This town truly is the place where dreams come true.  

And when I think about Small Business Saturday, it feels fitting that it's during the Thanksgiving season. Because without the support of our customers, we small business owners would not have the honor of having that title. GRATITUDE does not even begin to cover that feeling of feeling so lucky and so blessed to live the life that we get to live, all because of our customers, who like what we're doing enough to support it.  

And I think of the tribe of small business owners in this community and across the globe who help each other out.  I used to feel lonely as an entrepreneur, but then I learned to speak up and to ask for help and I wish I had done it years ago.

Now, more than ever, it's imperative that we all support small businesses.  It supports our local economies.  It creates jobs.  It helps dreams come true.  And you have a better, more unique shopping experience.  

When you buy from a Small Business, you're not just helping one business -- you're helping the community.  Hattie Rex donates to and supports dozens of non-profits each year and all of my business friends and neighbors do the same thing.  Small businesses are helping to fund animal shelters, women's shelters, suicide prevention lines, mentorship and opportunities for at-risk youth, veterans' programs, animal rehabilitation centers, and more.  We serve on boards, we donate to fundraisers, we volunteer our time.  And without small business supporters, none of that would be possible.

Small Business Saturday is one day to show your support of the businesses in your area that give it vibrancy and culture.  

Since we are small businesses every other day of the year, too, here are 4 easy ways that you can support small businesses -- without even spending a dime (although we love it when you do that, too):

1.  Come see us.  Attend our events and visit our stores!  Sure, you might be tempted to buy something, but even if you don't, coming in to see what we have to offer provides so much value for us.  First, it keeps us from being lonely and wallowing in self-doubt.  Second, it gives us an opportunity to interact with you, to see what you're interested in or what you're looking for, or who you're shopping for, to help us make better decisions about what products or services we should offer.  It creates a connection within the community.  And lastly, we get the opportunity to show off what we're doing, and maybe, just maybe, you will....

2.  Tell your friends and family about us.  Even though we've been in our location for five years now, the majority of the Bozeman population probably doesn't know what (or who) Hattie Rex is.  And even if they do, they might not know that we've remodeled or that we have expanded our product offerings and now offer self-care items, gifts for babies and kids, added a Beard and Body line for men, and rounded out our dog tag offering with toys, bowls, and even cat toys.  

The same goes for other businesses.  Tell your friends about the great store you saw downtown or online.  Someone's looking for a great meat thermometer?  Send them to your local gourmet kitchen store for a special gift that was handpicked by the owner.  You overhear that family's coming to town and they're looking for somewhere to take them?  Send them to your favorite stores for a unique shopping experience.

Most small businesses rely on word-of-mouth to get people in the doors.  Spreading the word helps us reach more people!  If you enjoy the products or service, please tell a friend.   

3.  Write a review.  84% of people trust online reviews as much as friends and family recommendations.  That means that you can support your favorite small businesses just by spending a few minutes to give them 5 stars on Google.  Bonus points for adding specifics (like great waffles, best pet ID tags, beautiful wedding bouquet).  Google picks up on frequently used words in Google reviews and uses it to provide more accurate search matches, which means your review can help that small business find more customers!  

Side note:  In my consulting business, Lightbox, I help small business owners harness the power of Google's free tools to help grow local businesses.  For more tips like this, join my email list).  

4.  Post about it.  Social media is a huge opportunity for small businesses to find new customers and stay engaged with current ones.  You can help by snapping a photo of your trip to the store, or of you using the product that you purchased and mentioning (and tagging) the store or business where you bought it.  

Alternatively, commenting on our posts, sharing them with your audience, or tagging a friend can help a small business's post get boosted in the algorithm.  Unfortunately, just hitting the "like" button doesn't give us any boosts (other than to our egos), so taking the time to type a comment is the ticket.  

That's it!  4 simple things that you can do today that help small businesses -- without reaching into your wallet.

On behalf of my team and my tribe of small business owner friends and neighbors, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping our dreams come true every day.  And in return for your support, we collectively promise to do our very best to continue to be worthy of your support, referrals, reviews, and posts.

Ladies Night has become one of Downtown Bozeman's most fun-filled evenings! Shops up and down Main Street and beyond go all out to say "thank you" to the women who support them all year long. 

Here at Hattie Rex will be no exception! We are so excited to host you in our newly renovated retail space. We can't wait to show you our new self-care products and jewelry for you, plus unique gifts for the men, kids, and pets in your life.

This is the night to get indulgent and treat yourself while enjoying a cocktail and snacks (on the house of course) with your BFFs. 

Need a little more to entice you to spend the evening with us? We've got a few more goodies up our sleeve.

Don't miss this event!

• complimentary chair massages by Jessie May of Be Well Massage
• prize drawings every 15 minutes
• 20% off your purchase!

Ready to relax, unwind, drink, and be merry? We sure are! 

Here are the nitty-gritty details:

Date
November 21st

Time
5pm-8pm

Location
18 S Willson, Downtown Bozeman, MT

Too excited to wait for Ladies Night to get in on the fun? Play BINGO with us! 
Stop by Hattie Rex and a ton of other amazing local businesses to pick up a bingo card, get your squares signed off by completing each square's challenge, and earn perks when you get a BINGO! 

I love that question. The people who ask it are usually moms.  They’ve been there, in the all-consuming part of life in which you give and give and give.  Where the rest of your life -- your partner, your work, your friends, your hobbies, your responsibilities-- are still there,  but now you have this other thing. This tiny, adorable, helpless little thing that needs you, constantly, and whom you love more than anything on the Earth, but also, sometimes, you just need a break.  

The balancing act can make you feel like a crazy person.  And maybe it’s the balancing act, or the hormones, or the fact that you’re sleep-deprived, under-groomed, and craving pieces of your old life, even though it feels so far away.  

And when you try to figure out what’s the most important thing to get done that day, it’s easy:  keep the baby alive. But when it’s time to think about what’s second, and third, and what can wait until tomorrow or what doesn’t need to be done at all -- that’s when the balancing act isn’t balancing a damn thing.  It’s prioritizing.

And of course, there are so many things that do need your attention.  Work. Your partner. Your friends and family. But also, there’s you.

So when it came time to refresh the store’s inventory, I started thinking:  “What do I want right now? What would feel comforting, relaxing, indulgent, to give as a gift, or to receive?” And the answers were these tiny luxuries relating to taking just a few minutes, just to pamper yourself.  

It’s a new part of Hattie, these self-care items, but it feels like it fits right in.  Our products and our brand have always been sentimental. And now, instead of just offering products that give you a keepsake of someone, or something, or someplace that you cherish, we’re offering something that helps you cherish the time you give to yourself and the ways in which you take care of you.  

Here are some of my favorites that I'll be taking home.  These are self-care items for women, but we are also carrying self-care products for men, kids, and dogs, too.  

These All Natural Soap Bars smell amazing and leave your skin so soft. ($8.00 each)

 We're carrying these Clay Masks in three different formulas for every skin type. ($12 each)

Mix up that clay mask with these Bamboo Beauty Mixing Spoons ($3.00 each) and apply using a Hake Goat Hair Mask Brush ($8.00 each).

These Exfoliating Sugar Cubes ($12 gift box) smell good enough to eat!

And this Edible Sugar Lip Care Kit in Rose ($18.00) is actually edible.

Pamper your hardworking hands with this Radish Root Hand Creme ($18.00 each).

Enjoy the scents of Huckleberry and Vanilla in this Glacier National Park Candle ($25.00)

As you may have noticed, Hattie Rex was closed for three days last week. We've been hard at work for months leading up to our post remodel reopening, and are so excited to finally reveal the fruits of our labor.

We spent weeks hand-selecting the perfect products for every one of our customers, rebranding our visuals, planning and refreshing the new layout of our retail space, and much more. After so much hard work, we are so excited to finally reveal the "new" Hattie Rex to you all! Our new products are categorized into Women's Bath and Body, For Men, For Baby and Kids, For Pets, and for the Home. Keep reading to discover our favorite products from each category, and check out all the new products right here!

Women's Bath and Body

Exfoliating Sugar Cubes Gift Box

Giddy Up Bandana

Clay Mask

For Men 

Ski Survival Kit

Shave Brush

Fish Bottle Opener

For Baby and Kids

Teething Necklace

Primary: Wexler & Sons Card Game

Fox Baby Set

For Pets

Catnip Pizza Cat Toy

Rainbow Rope Toy

Geometric Leash Hook

For the Home

Grand Teton Candle 

Bear Metal Ornament

Protect Our Parks Sticker

Interested in all the new goodies we have to offer at Hattie Rex? Stop by our retail shop in Downtown Bozeman, MT or check everything out online!

State Lines:

Our Montana Love products remain as popular as ever. Favorites among locals and tourists alike, everyone wants to show off their love for Montana. Along with our best selling Montana Love Necklace, we will continue to offer all of our most popular state products, including Tiny Montana Necklaces, Montana Mountains Necklace, Stud Earrings, Rings, Keychains, Money Clips, Lapel Pins, Tie Clips, Cufflinks, Christmas Ornaments, and Pet ID tags. 

Did you know we offer other states as well? Our current selection includes Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Personalized Jewelry:

The best gifts have meaning. We will also continue to offer our most popular customizable jewelry products, including A Mother's Love Necklace, The Triple Disc Necklace, GPS Necklace, Cuff Bracelets, Swirly Bird Necklace, just to name a few!

Earrings:

You can never have too many earrings. Among our most popular styles are the Ombre Earrings, Long Oval Earrings, Silver Turquoise Stud Earrings, Rustic Concave Earrings, Button Stud Earrings, Triangle Stud Earrings, Voyager Earrings, Rockefeller Earrings, Silver White Buffalo Turquoise Stud Earrings, Wishbone Earrings, and Triangle Drop Earrings. These styles, in their many varieties, will all remain available online in and in-store.

Initial Pendants: 

One of our most fun in-store and online options is to build your own necklace. So we are definitely keeping our ever-popular initial pendants. Styles include Tiny Letter Initial Pendants, Concave Initial Pendants, Ombre Initial Pendants, Tiny Bird Initial Pendants, and the made-to-order Sterling Initial Pendants.

Men's Products:

Men's Accessories will still be available to order as well. Our best selling items include Keychains, Money Clips, Bottle Openers, Lapel Pins, Cufflinks, Collar Stays, and Tie Clips.

Custom Homewares:

These great gift options will also remain available. Customizable, commemorative gifts are great for new babies, housewarmings, newlyweds, and holidays - including Montana Wall Hangings, custom name Baby Spoons, and personalized Holiday Ornaments.

Pet ID Tags:

Of course, we will continue to offer our flagship product: Pet ID Tags! All of our popular styles will remain available and customizable. Always made-to-order and hand-stamped for your pets' unique needs. We make these unique dog name tags by hand from start to finish.  We start with thick sheets of metal, including copper, brass, aluminum, nickel silver, and sterling silver. Your pup will never be out of style with our unique Pet ID tags!

Hi! My name is Julia, and I've been part of the Hattie Rex team for about 2.5 years now. One of my favorite parts of the job is seeing the variety of handmade and specially-curated products that come in and out of our Bozeman, Montana store. I am also part of the design and creation process for Hattie Rex's own line of handmade jewelry, and I love seeing happy customers walk out the door wearing something I made.

Yes, it can be tempting to buy everything in the store...and yes, I've gotten close a few times. Luckily, everything at Hattie Rex is perfect for gifting. This means I get to share the love of pretty handmade things with friends and family, and keep some things for myself time to time. 

Fall is the time to start shopping for thoughtful gifts for the Holidays. It's also the time of year I like to take inventory of my wardrobe, home decor, and find things that will keep me warm through the harsh Montana Winters. 

I've handpicked some of my favorite Hattie Rex items for you and yours to enjoy through this cozy season. Enjoy!

Triangle Stud Earrings

This Fall I have felt encouraged to find more ways to bring simplicity into my life. 
These Triangle Studs are the embodiment of simplicity. They serve as a reminder to pare down and recenter every time I put them on! I'm a silver gal, but they also come in brass and copper!

Wandering Bison Candles

Candles have been high on the list of my favorite things since I can remember. I always like to have one burning while I'm hanging out at home, and they make such great gifts. Wandering Bison takes candles to the next level. They're handmade by the sweetest couple, right in my hometown, Missoula Montana! 

I'm currently burning the Alpenglow scent, but the Trailhead Candle is another one of my favorites! 

Voyager Earrings

Well, I know I've been talking a lot about simplicity, but statement earrings will forever be my go-to accessory. The Voyager Earrings caught my attention the second they were released by Hattie Rex's jewelry designer extraordinaire Cassandra. The combination of gold and silver is striking, and the circular shape is flattering and stands out through my overwhelming amount of curls. 

Black Sheep + Strange Creature Society Stickers

As a graphic designer, I carry my laptop around with me pretty much everywhere I go. And what good is a laptop without some vinyl sticker swag? These stickers by The Dapper Jackalope are my absolute favorite. I just feel like these stickers get me, ya know? 

Pigment Project Earrings 

There are only a few one-of-a-kind hand beaded earrings by Pigment Project are available in-store at the moment, and I'm loving this purple and gold statement pair. Getting a restock from Jessica and Jillian, the artists behind Pigment Project, is seriously wonderful. The variety of color and designs they use to create their handmade earrings is so fun! 

Thank you for checking out my favorite Hattie Rex products!  I hope you feel inspired to treat yourself or your BFF to something fun this Fall. 

Cheers! Julia 

Team Hattie has come together to bring your our Fall Crush List. Maybe you’ll just find a new favorite, too!

Meet the "Judges": Julia, Cassandra, and Tessa!

Song/musician crush:

J: My song crush right now is Mother’s Daughter by Miley Cyrus. It's the girl power anthem of the year.

C: Ashnikko. Also girl power.

T:  Lizzo.  Same. I love everything she’s doing, including her collab with Cookie Monster.   Did you know she’s a classically-trained flutist?  

Local eatery/bar crush:

J: Nina’s Tacos + Tequila. There’s nothing better than a good taco and a strong marg.

C: The Co-Op. Lots of gluten-free and dairy-free options.

T: It's so hard to pick just one!  When we get a date night, Dave’s Sushi is our favorite spot to eat in Bozeman.  For takeout, we’re into Rice Thai. For a working cocktail hour, you can’t beat the atmosphere (and wine) across the street at Blend.  And, for brunch with girlfriends, Barley and Vine, also across the street, is where it’s at.

Artist/maker crush:

J: Yuyu Shiratori. Inspired. Strange. That’s why I love it.

C: Third Hand Silversmith

T: The Tinworks exhibit on the northside blew my mind.  And one of these days I want a Western Bound Goods bag!

Product crush:

J: Long Oval Earrings in Gold. 

I could wear these every. Single. Day.

C: Triangle Drop Earrings. Shiny, pretty, dangly, fun.

T: My tiny letter initial pendant on a short gold chain. It’s a daily.

Coffee order crush: 

J: Dirtbag – cold brew, chai, and milk. Get it at Wild Joe's while it’s still hot outside.

C: 8oz. Double americano - I’m a purist. 

T:  I change seasonally.  In the summer, it’s an iced coffee with whipped cream.  Fall, I’m into a dirty chai. And in the winter, I’m a latte kinda girl.

Netflix crush: 

J: Stay Here. A show about remodeling Airbnb’s into the cutest abodes!

Makes me wonder: should I quit making jewelry and become an Airbnb 

Guru instead?! Probably not. 

C: Mindhunter. Also Street Food.

T:  The Sinner.  Jessica Alba is perfection and it keeps you guessing until the very end!

What are your favorite things this Fall? Let us know in the comments!

Maria Gotta of Nest has always had a love of nature and of art, that led her to seek out wildflower meadows while hiking or heart-shaped rocks in creeks. She’s an avid outdoorswoman and nature enthusiast and that appreciation has transplanted itself into her art work. 

She loves working with her hands while watching her visions come to life in the form of whimsical, delicate and distinctive pieces. 

Maria is not only one of Hattie Rex’s featured artists but you will also be able to view and purchase her work at our next Art Walk event on Friday, September 13th.

She answered a few questions that will give readers a better idea of her work, her life, her inspirations and even her favorite place for a local bite!

1. What’s your favorite part about the work you do?

I love creating something that will make someone smile. 

2. What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?  

I thoroughly enjoy exploring the outdoors with my sweet pup, Stella, and my guy, Bill, and close friends, whether that's hiking, fishing, or cross-country skiing! 

3. What does community mean to you?

To me, community is more than just the town in which one lives, but more so the people, love and support in which one surrounds themselves with (and gives back to) in return. 

4. Who do you look up to for creative inspiration or guidance?

I have quite a few favorite jewelers that I am inspired by, as well as photographers. But the person I look up to for the most significant creative inspiration would be my mother.

Growing up, she was always creating something, whether in stained glass, painting, or photography. She also was very encouraging when any of us showed interest in a creative skill. I still bounce ideas off her from time to time, as well as take her advice to heart and put it to good use while creating something new. 

5. Where is your favorite place to eat, get a drink, etc? 

If we are referring to somewhere in town, my guy and I love to go to Glenn's in Livingston. Not only is Glenn a great person and bartender, and the staff super friendly, but the atmosphere is very laid back, and the patio is excellent in the summertime! Otherwise, there is nothing like being way up in the mountains, preferably by a creek, enjoying a well-earned snack and a stunning view! 

6. What do you want your customers to know about your art? 

I would like for them to know that nature is my inspiration in each piece of jewelry that I create. 

All my flower and leaf pieces are made from an actual impression or a mold of that flower, leaf or petal. There's also a bit of love that goes into them all, as well. :) 

7. How did you get started with your craft? What is your background like?

I've been making jewelry for at least 30 years now, always dabbling in different mediums.  I stumbled upon Precious Metal Clay about three or so years ago when a favorite local jeweler of mine was offering classes in the medium. I was hooked! 

8. What’s your favorite song right now? 

I seriously love too many to choose just one! I enjoy most types of music; it all depends on my mood and what I'm doing at that moment. 

9. Do you have any hidden talents? 

Hmmm, well, as for a silly hidden talent, I can lip curl back and forth with both sides of my upper lip. As for a more serious talent, I used to be a pretty good (amateur) photographer, which I hope to get back into again. 

10. What’s the #1 thing on your wishlist right now? 

To catch up on some international traveling. We are hoping to head to Europe this coming year. Fingers crossed! 

Tessa talks about what's in store for our Downtown Bozeman
brick and mortar location

Hattie Rex was born when I was a new mom to a rambunctious yellow lab named Pablo.  I needed a tag to keep him safe, but not just any tag would do.  I started selling my tags on Etsy in 2007 and the journey began.

Over the next 12 years, Hattie grew and evolved.  We started making “human jewelry,” (or, as most people call it, “jewelry”).  We opened a retail store, then quickly moved to a bigger one.  We started selling the work of other local artists.  We’ve had employees stay, and we’ve had employees go.

In 2017,  I was one of those who left.  Physically, at least.

I was ready for a new challenge, so I took what I had learned over 12 years in the e-commerce game and began helping other small businesses sell online.  

Luckily, and not coincidentally, this new arrangement was perfectly timed for my next step.

I became a new mom again in March of this year.  This time, to a “human baby” that we named Willa.  And again, my path has changed.  

Having a baby forces you to take a good, hard look at everything in your life.  And I mean that in the best way.  

Decisions become easier (and execution becomes significantly more difficult).  

Priorities come glaringly into focus.

For me, Hattie Rex was one of those priorities that jumped into my field of vision and said, “Hey.  Hey you. I need you.
Pay attention to me.”

And so I’ve obliged.  

This fall, we’re giving Hattie a makeover (and who doesn’t LOVE a makeover?).

We’re freshening up our branding with a new color palette and some yummy new fonts on our emails and website.

We’re giving the retail area a facelift and installing some new fixtures for more comfortable shopping.  We’ll be closed for a couple of days, but we think it will be worth it.

We’re expanding our gift wrap options to make giving the perfect present that much easier.  

And, finally, 

We’re making room for an entirely new collection of vendors and products to accompany our Hattie Rex classics.  

Think toys, bowls, and leashes to go paw-in-paw with the dog tags you know and love.  

Think candles, planters, and artisan soaps to round out your gift for Mom.  

We’re bringing in other jewelry vendors to offer some variety to our metal jewelry offerings.

Bandanas, flasks, and multi-tools will complement our men’s accessories.  

And, of course, we’re bringing up bebe by stocking some novelty gifts for little ones.

We are so excited about this fresh, new version of Hattie and we hope that you are, too.  We’ll be dishing out updates on social media so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram.  

Is there anything you want to be sure to see in the store?  We want to hear from you!  

Looking for that perfect touch to make your wedding day personal and memorable? Stop by our Downtown Bozeman storefront or shop online to find the handmade, personalized jewelry and men's accessories that will make YOUR day!

Here are some of our favorites:

For the Bride 

 GPS Bar Necklace 

Why we love it: The GPS Bar Necklace is simple and sentimental. Personalize it with the location where you first met your person, the location of your wedding, or a word or phrase you hold close.

For the Groom

Personalized Tie Clip

Why we love it: Your wedding is a great opportunity to dress up, and a personalized tie clip will have you feeling your absolute best! After your wedding, it will serve as a special keepsake of your day.

For the Bridesmaids

Montana Love Necklace

Why we love it: These Montana Love Necklaces are a great gift and keepsake for the ladies who have been by your side through it all. They will love the personal touch, and will have something special to wear together on your day. Stamp a heart on the place you're getting married as an extra special detail! 

For the Groomsmen

Montana Keychain

Why we love it: You want to get your guys something personal, and better yet, something they'll use after the wedding! Our Montana Keychain is the perfect solution. Stamp a heart on the location of your wedding for extra personalization!

For the Parents

Perfect Pair Keychain 

Why we love it: Your parents are your biggest fans! They'll smile every time they see your initials and wedding date on their Perfect Pair Keychain, remembering the magical day! 

For the After Party...*ahem* Reception

Aluminum Bottle Opener Keychain

Why we love it: You put a LOT of work into making your day perfect, so celebrate in style! A perfect gift to give yourself, or order a few for the wedding party! 

Want to have a handmade keepsake personalized for your Montana wedding? 

Place an order at hattierex.com, or stop by our Downtown Bozeman Location:
18 S Willson, Bozeman, MT.

Summer is finally here! Keep reading to
see what we have in store this month!

 4TH OF JULY ONLINE SALE - JULY 4th

Our Downtown Bozeman location will be closed for the Fourth of July,
but you can still shop! Take 20% off your purchase of Hattie Rex items 
at hattierex.com. No coupon code needed -- discount will automatically
apply to all eligible items at checkout.

JULY ART WALK - JULY 12TH

Featuring Danae Hendricks of Tztanglez.

Join us for a drink, art, and meet the artist from 6-8pm! 

DOWNTOWN BOZEMAN CRAZY DAYS - JULY 19TH + 20TH

Shop deals all weekend long in Downtown Bozeman!

RED ANTS PANTS MUSIC FESTIVAL - JULY 25TH-28TH

Stop by our booth during Red Ants Pants to shop handmade jewelry you can rock
during the festival and beyond! 

 BOZEMAN HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION - JUNE 2ND

Celebrate your grad by finding the perfect gift!

Shop online at hattierex.com, or stop by our Downtown Bozeman retail location!

JUNE ART WALK - JUNE 14TH

Featuring Julia Dobie of Third Hand Silversmith.

Join us for a drink, art, and meet the artist from 5-8pm! 

Check out Third Hand Silversmith online at thirdhandsilversmith.com,
and on instagram instagram.com/thirdhandsilversmith.

FATHER'S DAY - JUNE 16TH

Find the perfect gift to make dad's day!

Shop online at hattierex.com, or stop by our Downtown Bozeman retail location!

SHIPPING DEADLINES:

First Class Mail: June 9th

Priority Mail: June 11th

McGree feels in color.